Foundations in the Interior region raise funds that support medical equipment, care needs, and innovative local initiatives in their communities. Each organization includes respected community leaders, volunteers and staff who are passionate about meeting the needs of patients and families in Interior Health. Thanks to the generosity of their supporters, we all have a stronger health system.  In this next story of our series on the incredible health-care and hospital foundations throughout our region, we interviewed Bryna Idler, executive director of Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation (KLHF).

Name: Amelie Darblade (she/her/hers) Job Title: Project Manager, Digital Health Years of Service: 2.5 Worksite: Remote Community: Kimberley Ancestral Territory: Ktunaxa Amelie Darblade immigrated to Canada from France in 2015. With a one-year visa in hand, she had plans to explore a new country but didn’t know what would come next. She fell in love with B.C, the great outdoors and its ancestral lands. She discovered backcountry skiing and mountain biking, met amazing people, made great friends, and in 2022, had a daughter. She has built a family and fulfilling career.

As a caregiver, one of the most important responsibilities is ensuring the safety of the children in your care. While many of the toys and devices children love are designed with their safety in mind, there’s one hidden danger that is often overlooked: button batteries.  These small, coin-sized batteries are found in everyday items such as remote controls, hearing aids, toys, watches and even greeting cards. Unfortunately, button batteries can pose a significant risk if ingested, especially for young children who might mistake them for candy or small toys. In the article below, get expert insights and answers to common button battery safety questions from Dr. Aron Zuidhof, physician and medical director for the Emergency Services Network for Interior Health. “Accidental ingestion of a button battery is thankfully a rare event, but can cause significant damage to a child’s esophagus,” says Dr. Zuidhof. With his guidance, we’ll walk through the risks, prevention tips, and what to do if the worst happens.   

Name: Shawna Glassel (any) Job Title: Nurse Practitioner Lead - Primary Care South & Virtual Years of Service: 1.5 Worksite: Remote Community: Clearwater Ancestral Territory: Simpcw territory of the Secwépemc Nation Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: “We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves, or more deeply engrossed in anything than when we are playing.” – Charles Schaefer Shawna Glassel has lived in the Simpcw territory of the Secwépemc Nation for five months, where she truly appreciates the picturesque beauty of the land. As a grateful uninvited guest here, reconciliation is important to Shawna. “To me, reconciliation means learning and listening with humility to the experiences of First Nations Peoples who live on the ancestral territories across what is currently known as Canada,” she says. “It is hearing individuals’ and communities’ stories of experiences throughout their history. It is acknowledging injustices that have been and still are present within a colonial system. I commit my personal efforts to collaborating and taking steps toward the goals of healing and growth.”

Leaking or dribbling pee, not being able to pee (or poo), discomfort and pain in your lower abdomen (tummy), or symptoms that interfere with sexual enjoyment: these and other health conditions “below your waist” can be difficult or embarrassing to talk about. Pelvic health is foundational to your quality of life. Good bladder, bowel, reproductive and sexual health are key to living well. It’s important to share your concerns with your family physician—bud did you know there are there are other health-care providers you can turn to, and non-surgical treatment options? 

Name: Kecia Ward (she/her/hers) Job Title: Nursing Unit Assistant  Years of Service: 19.5 Worksite: Royal Inland Hospital (RIH) Community: Kamloops Ancestral Territory: Secwépemc (Shuswap / Interior Salish) Nation Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: From my always knowing mother: "Be careful the toes you step on today as they might be attached to the butt you have to kiss tomorrow!" Kecia Ward’s life and career have been shaped by her roots, her passion for health care, and her commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others. Born in the vast prairies of Saskatchewan, Kecia brings a grounded, humble perspective to her work at Interior Health (IH), where she has become an invaluable part of the team at the Royal Inland Hospital's (RIH) Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Name: Magalie Knopf (she/her/hers) Job Title: Social Worker Years of Service: 1.5  Worksite: Royal Inland Hospital and Home & Community Care Community: Kamloops Ancestral Territory: Secwepemc Nation  Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: "What’s meant for you will never miss you, and what misses you was never meant for you." - Imam Al-Shafii For Interior Health (IH) social worker Magalie Knopf, her destination is the product of her journey. Born in Haiti, she was adopted and moved to Canada at the age of four. She grew up in Alberta as the youngest of eight children. She graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work and has been a registered social worker in Alberta and B.C. “What inspired me to pursue a career in social work was initially rooted in my own experiences: I experienced significant loss at an early age. I became passionate about maternal health and advocating for education and support systems that could prevent maternal death, especially for those in developing countries,” Magalie says. “I have always been drawn to being part of systems impacting change. Working in health care allows me to support change both at a macro level and micro level by addressing not only immediate health needs, but also social determinants of health.”

Interior Health (IH) has once again been named a BC Top Employer. We are proud, honoured and humbled to be recognized this year, the 10th time IH has received the award. Now in its 20th year, BC's Top Employers is an annual competition organized by the editors of Canada's Top 100 Employers. This special designation recognizes the British Columbia employers that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work.  “We’re deeply focused on what teams want, and the type of envi­ronment that makes you jump out of bed in the morning and want to go to work,” says president & CEO Susan Brown. “The key emphasis is on understanding employees as individuals, creating a supportive workplace, prioritizing wellness, and engaging with staff and the broader community in a compas­sionate manner.”

Name: Jonathan Saah (he/him/his) Job Title: Data Governance Specialist Years of Service:  7 Worksite: Vernon Jubilee Hospital Community: Coldstream Ancestral Territory: syilx Nation Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” – Nelson Mandela For Jonathan, Nelson Mandela’s quote highlights the importance of our actions and how they shape the value of our lives. To him, it also suggests the true meaning of life comes from living with purpose, kindness and a commitment to improving the well-being of others. Jonathan’s career in health care began with a strong foundation in business. He graduated from the co-op business program at Toronto Metropolitan University, gaining practical experience in business and computer sciences through roles at Johnson & Johnson Medical Products, Imperial Oil and Kraft Canada. He also worked as a marketing information analyst for World Vision Canada, a humanitarian aid and advocacy organization.  After completing his master’s in business development at the University of Waterloo, Jonathan spent 12 years in municipal government and consulting as an economic development specialist. He later transitioned to health care, leveraging his business expertise, research and analytical skills in his current role with Digital and Analytics Services at Interior Health (IH).